This article explains how to activate or deactivate a PlayStation system. The entire process has been streamlined for the PlayStation 4, so please refer to our article on activating/deactivating a Primary PS4 for more information.

When you download games, movies, add-ons, etc. from the PlayStation®Store, your system needs to be activated with your Sony Entertainment Network account. Additionally, each system used to download from the PlayStationStore will also need to be activated with your Sony Entertainment Network account. In most cases, the system is activated automatically when content is downloaded.

Please Note:

You will only be able to activate/deactivate your PS3 directly from the PS3 system itself. If you do not have access to a previously activated system to deactivate it, please refer to this article for information on how to deactivate all of your consoles.

If you do not have access to your system and you want to deactivate it for video, please contact our Consumer Services department for further assistance.

Activate/Deactivate

Click on the type of system below for instructions on how to activate/deactivate.

You can also watch the video below for instructions on activating / deactivating a PS3, PS Vita, or PSP.

Maximum Number of Systems

There is a maximum number of systems that can be activated with one account which differs depending on the content. These limitations do not apply to the PS4 as it employs a different method of content management.